Sport seating system and method

ABSTRACT

A transformable sporting chair system which can be transformed from a working seat for use in the outdoors, to a transportable configuration for carrying the chair to or from an outdoor location. The chair features a frame which can be nearly entirely disassembled and reassembled into the working or transport configuration. The chair includes a holding element for holding tools or equipment, such as a hunting bow. The chair may also be strapped to a tree using ratchet straps. An alternative system includes a removable mounting bracket and accessory mounting system for mounting cameras, tool holders, and other useful equipment for use with the chair.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/456,793, filed Aug. 11, 2014, whichclaims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/864,254, filed Aug. 9, 2013, both of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to seating, and in particular toa system and method for providing adjustable, multi-purpose seating forsports and other activities.

2. Description of the Related Art

Hunters, especially bow hunters, require a place to sit and wait forgame. Often this will be a transportable chair or a semi-permanent treestand. Other sports and outdoor activities in the wilderness requiresimilar seating.

Existing hunting stands and hunting chairs either require semi-permanentinstallation of a tree stand in a tree, which then cannot be moved, orrely on standard portable chairs which are carried out into thewilderness where they are not optimally suited. Most portable chairs areheavy and difficult to carry long distances, or are cheaply made and donot stand up to the rigors of the sport or activity for which they wouldneed to facilitate. Ideal sporting chairs also include the ability tostore equipment, such as a hunting bow, when the chair is not in use.Most could not stand on their own when loaded in such a way.

What is needed is a versatile, sturdy sporting chair which can be easilytransported deep into the wilderness by a single person. Heretoforethere has not been available a sporting chair system with the advantagesand features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a sport or hunting chair whichcan be adapted to various sizes and configurations of seating. The chairsystem includes numerous detachable elements, such as legs and arms,which can be placed in different configurations for transport or workinguse. The chair system can stand on an included base or be strapped to atree, and will provide suitable seating for any sport or outdooractivity. Additionally, this device can provide seating for relativelylarge individuals.

Attachments can accommodate both right-handed and left-handed occupantsusing archery equipment, firearms, fishing tackle and other devices andequipment. The seating system is both portable and adjustable for use inwilderness areas and for supporting occupants at various heights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating variousobjects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention showing the frame in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention showing a seat back being placed on the frame.

FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention showing a seat being placed on the frame.

FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention in an assembled, working configuration.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the various components which make up theframe of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear exploded isometric view of two components of apreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear isometric view thereof, showing the componentsassembled.

FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of the frame of a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention being assembled into a transport configuration.

FIG. 10 is a continuation thereof, showing the assembled embodiment in atransport configuration.

FIG. 11 is a front isometric view of an alternative arrangement of apreferred embodiment shown in a typical environment.

FIG. 12 is a rear exploded isometric of two components of an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a rear isometric view thereof, showing the componentsassembled.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an element featured in an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is another isometric view thereof, showing an alternativearrangement of the element.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment firstmentioned in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of another element featured inanother alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view thereof.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment firstmentioned in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of another element featured in yet anotheralternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is another isometric view thereof, showing an alternativearrangement of the element.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment firstmentioned in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of yet another alternative arrangement ofthe present invention.

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of yet another alternative arrangement ofthe present invention, featuring elements of FIGS. 20-22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction andEnvironment

As required, detailed aspects of the disclosed subject matter aredisclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosedaspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied invarious forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as abasis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention invirtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up,down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientatedin the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly”refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometriccenter of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Saidterminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivativesthereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Sporting Chair System 2

The sporting chair system 2 frame as shown in FIG. 1 is formed from manyinterlocking, interchangeable elements. A center crossbar 4 is bolted toa base 6 via a bolt 30 and wing nut 40, and is further secured via amounting pin 34. A pair of upstanding backrest arms 8 are inserted intothe crossbar 4. Each backrest arm 8 includes a button clip 20 which isreceived in a button clip receiver located in the crossbar 4. Thisallows for the backrest arm 8 to be selectively removed. Each backrestarm 8 also includes a strap receiver loop 16 for receive a strap hook 59connected to a shoulder strap 55 when the sporting chair system 2 isplaced in a transport configuration. The center crossbar 4 also includesa gusset 57 to brace and prevent the center crossbar from bending,specifically when the sporting chair system 2 is mounted to a tree 58.

The center crossbar 4 may include drainage holes (not shown) in itsbottom face, preferably located below the backrest arms, for drainingwater from the frame. This may be necessary since the backrest arms 8are hollow and open at the top.

A pair of seat arms 11, 13 are similarly connected to the crossbar 4 andsecured via button clips 20. One seat arm 13 includes a double buttonclip 20, having one clip located on the top and another on the bottom ofthe arm 13. This arm receives a holder 14 which is used to hold a bow orother item (not shown) when not in use. The holder 14 includes a numberof holder pins 24 bolted to a holder base plate 26 connected to a holderelbow 22. The holder includes a button clip receiver hole 28 on eachface of the elbow 22, which allows the holder 14 to be rotated as theuser requires, and allows the system 2 to accommodate right-handed andleft-handed hunters. The seat arms 11, 13 thus may be placed on eitherend of the center crossbar 4 as needed.

The base includes a number of bolt receivers 32 and pin receivers 36 forreceiving the mounting bolt 30 and mounting pin 34 respectively. Thebase also features a 4-way receiver 7 which allows four legs 12 to besecured to the base 6 using button clips 20, similar to the arms above.One leg includes a ground stake 64 secured to a ground stake hole 66 viaa retaining cable 68. This spike is used to provide additional securityto the leg located opposite the holder 14, such that when the holder 14is holding an object, but no one is sitting in the chair, the chair willnot tip over. The stake 64 may be temporarily stored within the hollowbody of a leg 12. All legs could potentially have a separate groundstake 64. The legs 12 may be unclipped from the base 6 and inserted intoreceivers 18 when the chair is transformed into a transportconfiguration as shown in FIGS. 9-10 and discussed in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 2, a backrest 42 is placed over the backrest arms 8when the chair system 2 is in a working configuration. As further shownin FIG. 3, a seat 44 is similarly placed over the seat arms 11, 13. Thebackrest 42 and seat 44 are made of a waterproof, durable material. Theyare easily removable from the frame so that the chair system frame maybe left in the wilderness without worrying about additional weatheringof the seat and backrest material. FIG. 4 shows an entirely assembledsporting chair system 2 in a working position, including both thebackrest 42 and the seat 44. The ground stake 64 is employed to securethe chair to the ground.

FIG. 5 shows all of the various elements which make up the frame of thesporting chair system 2, including a mounting bracket 10 for mountingthe chair to a tree 58 or other object, as shown in more detail in FIG.11. Also shown are the backrest arm receiver holes 46 and seat armreceiver holes 48 for connecting the backrest arms 8 and seat arms 11,13 to the central crossbar 4.

FIGS. 6-7 show how the crossbar 4 connects with the base 6 from anotherview, focusing on the mounting bracket 52 which includes the gusset 57.A pair of tower guide tabs 50 help to line up the base and keep thecenter crossbar 4 stable. The mounting pin 34 is threaded through amounting pin receiver hole 54 in the gusset 57, through the pin receiverholes 36 in the base 6, and is pinned with a cotter pin 38 to preventthe mounting pin from being removed accidentally. The mounting bolt 30is similarly threaded through a bolt hole 56 in the crossbar 4 andthrough bolt holes 32 in the base 6. The bolt 30 is secured via a wingnut 40 or other suitable nut.

FIG. 8 shows the sporting chair system 2 as the components would beassembled to form a working configuration, or disassembled from aworking configuration. FIG. 9 similarly shows how the components,including the legs 12 and seat arms 11, 13 would be reassembled into atransport configuration, shown completely assembled at FIG. 10. Notethat the base 6 and the crossbar 4 are connected in a more compactconfiguration by changing which bolt hole receivers on the base arebolted to the crossbar via the mounting bolt 30. FIG. 10 further showshow a strap 55 is hooked to the backrest arms 8 via a pair of hooks 59,each hooked through a receiving loop 16 in the backrest arms 8. Thestrap allows a person to simply transport the sporting chair system 2when in a transport configuration. The chair is designed such that theweight is distributed comfortably in such a configuration.

FIG. 11 shows how the sporting chair system 2 can be converted to beanchored to a tree 58. The mounting bracket 10 is affixed to thecrossbar 4 in place of the base 6, as shown in FIGS. 12-13. The bracketis used to hook a pair of ratchet straps hooks 62 to the chair, and thento wrap the ratchet straps 60 around a tree 58. The straps can then betightened and the chair becomes anchored to the tree. The connectionbetween the bracket 10 and the crossbar 4 is such that when the ratchetstraps 60 are tightened, it pulls the seat upwards, counteracting theweight of the user sitting in the chair.

The bracket 10 is mounted to the crossbar 4 via the same mounting pin 34used to mount the base 6 to the crossbar. This is shown in FIGS. 12-13.Note that the bracket 10 does contain several bolt holes which could beused to further bolt the bracket to the crossbar or to store the bracketon the base 6 when the bracket is not in use. These holes can also beused to hold the ratchet strap hooks 62 temporarily while setting theratchet straps up. For example, the first ratchet strap will notsufficiently grip the inner edge of the bracket as shown in FIG. 11until the second strap is sufficiently tightened. The holes through thebracket 10 allow the hooks 62 to be temporarily placed through thoseholes to hold the seat in place as the second strap is installed. Thehooks can then be moved as shown in FIG. 11. The preferred manner ofgripping the bracket 10 with the hooks 62 is as shown in FIG. 11, asthis provides the proper torque to the seat to counteract the user'sweight, while ensuring that the bracket 10 is held firmly against thetree 58.

As stated above and documented through the figures, the primary purposeof the sporting chair system 2 is to provide a reliable, sturdy sportingchair which can be transformed from a working configuration to atransport configuration quickly and easily, and which is easilytransportable once converted. The chair system 2 must be versatile,strong, and balanced. The present invention can hold the heaviest bow onthe market within the holder 14 with no user seated in the chair withouttipping over, and that is without using the ground stake 64.

III. Alternative Embodiment Sporting Chair System 102

FIGS. 14-16 show a slightly alternative sporting chair system 102 whichincorporates a removable bracket 104 which may be used to mountaccessory elements to the standard sporting chair 2. The removablebracket 104 can be removed and mounted to a tree 58 as shown in FIGS.23-24, and which feature will be described in more detail below. Whilemounted to the standard sporting chair 2, the removable bracket 104 iscapable of mounting accessories as shown in FIGS. 17-22, and whichfeatures will be described in more detail below.

The removable bracket 104 includes two sets of angled mounting ribs 110which are used to brace against a tree 58 or other surface to preventthe bracket 104 from rotating laterally when the bracket is mountedagainst the tree or surface. One pair of mounting ribs 110 is welded orotherwise permanently affixed to a first end of the mounting bracket 104which includes a mounting stem 127 which branches away from the mainbracket body 106 of the removable bracket, and which is intended toreceive and connect with other accessories. The other pair of mountingribs 110 is affixed to a slide 108, which may be slid from one end ofthe bracket 104 to the other. The slide is confined by a pushbutton clip120 and the stem 127 and second set of mounting ribs 110, as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15. The main bracket body may be inserted into one or moreof the receiver openings in the standard sporting chair 2 as shown inFIG. 16, allowing the removable bracket 104 to be stored temporarilywhen not mounted against a tree or other surface, while also providing asolid position for mounting an accessory. The mounting stem 127 includespushbutton receivers 128.

IV. Alternative Embodiment Sporting Chair System 152

FIGS. 17-19 show another alternative sporting chair system 152 employingthe sporting chair 2 and the removable bracket 104. An accessorymounting system 154 is attached to the mounting stem 127 of theremovable bracket 104.

The primary piece of the accessory mounting system 154 is a mountingtree 155. The mounting tree includes pushbutton clips 120 for connectingwith other elements, including the removable bracket 104 mounting stem127 as shown in FIG. 19. The mounting tree 155 includes a number offlanges 162 or racks which may be used for mounting different tools,accessories, bows, or other purposes useful for sporting.

The main trunk 156 of the mounting tree 155 includes a pair of upperbranches 160 and one lower branch 158 running perpendicular to the maintrunk. These branches typically include pushbutton clips 120 forconnecting with other elements. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17-19, apivot connector 172 may connect with one of the upper branches 160 via afirst connecting stem 174 with pushbutton receivers 128 for receivingthe pushbutton clips 120 located on corresponding parts, such as theupper branches 160 of the mounting tree 155.

The pivot connector 172 also includes a second connecting stem 176 whichis pivotally connected to the first connecting stem 174 by a pivot screw178. The pivot screw as shown in the figures uses a wingnut 180 to helpadjust the pivotability of the pivot connector 172.

The second connecting stem 176 has a bolt hole 184 which receives a bolt182 which is then secured by a nut 186. This bolt 182 is used to connectaccessories to the pivot connector, one example being a bow holder 194as shown in FIGS. 17-19. The bow holder 194 is substantially similar tothe bow holder 14 disclosed previously. Here, the bow holder 194includes prongs 196 for holding a bow or crossbow (not shown), andincludes a stem 188 which has a screw 190 for connecting the stem 188 toa round-to-square connector 187. This connector allows the bow holder194 to connect to the pivot mount 172; however, any feasible means ofconnecting the bow holder accessory, or any accessory, back to the pivotconnector 172 or even directly to the mounting system 154 would besufficient.

Fig. shows how the sporting chair system 152 using the sporting chair 2,the accessory mounting system 154, and the removable bracket 104connects together.

V. Alternative Embodiment Sporting Chair System 202

FIGS. 20-22 show yet another alternative sporting chair system 202utilizing the original sporting chair 2, the removable bracket 104, theaccessory mounting system 154, and an accessory arm 204 for mounting andsuspending accessories 224, such as cameras, around the chair 2. Camerasare often used by sportsmen and sportswomen for capturing their feats.Some examples include GoPro® cameras manufactured by GoPro, Inc. of SanMateo, Calif. and other action cameras, including but not limited to theGarmin Virb®, manufactured by Garmin Ltd. of Olathe, Kans., and the iON™action camera, manufactured by iON America, LLC of Moorestown, N.J.

The accessory arm 204 may include preexisting arms, such as a camera armmanufactured by Muddy Outdoors LLC of Albia, Iowa. Alternatively, theaccessory arm 204 may be specially fabricated for the sporting chairsystem 202. The arm 204 includes a mounting stem 208 for connecting ontothe mounting tree 155 of the mounting system 154. A main body 206 of thearm 204 includes a pivot bolt 212 mounting a primary arm 210 which maybe hydraulically raised or lowered using a hydraulic piston and cylinderunit 214. This allows the arm to become compact or to extend out for usewith a camera or other accessory.

A pivoting, telescoping arm is connected to the primary arm. Thetelescoping arm includes a number of arm sections 218 which areconnected to each other and to the primary arm via hinge connectors 216.At the end of the telescoping arm is an accessory base 220 with amounting bolt 222 for mounting an accessory 224 such as a camera. Thetelescoping arm can be tilted and extended and locked into place to holda camera or multiple cameras at different views.

VI. Alternative Embodiment Sporting Chair System 252

FIGS. 23 and 24 show an alternative sporting chair system 252 embodimentwhere the removable bracket 104 is strapped to a tree 58 next to thesporting chair 2 using a strap 254 and a connector 256, such as a hook,to hold the bracket 104 tight against the tree. The mounting ribs 110face the tree and prevent lateral rotation of the removable bracket 104.

As shown in FIG. 23, the mounting system 154 is mounted to the bracket104 for holding extra bows or other equipment. As shown in FIG. 24, theaccessory arm 204 is connected to the mounting system 154, and may beused as described above.

This combination allows for multiple cameras to be placed at multiplelocations around the sporting chair 2 without compromising thefunctionality of the sporting chair. The chair may be raised or loweredabsent the mounted accessories, and everything may be packed up andclipped together at the end for ease of transport.

Not shown in FIGS. 13-24 is the seat 44 or back 42 of the chair.Nevertheless, it is intended that these features be used when the chair2 is fully assembled; however, these elements were left out of thefigures to help clarify the elements of the invention.

It is to be understood that the invention can be embodied in variousforms, and is not to be limited to the examples discussed above. Therange of components and configurations which can be utilized in thepractice of the present invention is virtually unlimited.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A sporting chair systemcomprising: a sporting chair including a frame, said frame comprising acentral crossbar, two seat-back arms, a first seat arm and a second seatarm, and a base; said central crossbar including a front face, a rearface, a top face, and a bottom face; each of said two seat-back armshaving a button clip, and each configured to releasably connect into tworespective seat-back arm receivers affixed to the top face of saidcentral crossbar; said first seat arm having a single button clip andbeing configured to releasably connect into one of two seat armreceivers affixed to the front face of said central crossbar, saidsecond seat arm having a proximal end including the single button clipand a distal end including a double button clip, and wherein said secondseat arm proximal end being configured to releasably connect into one ofsaid seat arm receivers; a removable bracket configured for temporarystorage within said central crossbar, said removable bracket comprisinga primary branch and a mounting stem stemming off of said primarybranch, said mounting stem configured to receive and mount accessories;a first angled mounting rib affixed in proximity to said mounting stem,and a second angled mounting rib configured to slide freely along saidprimary branch; said base releasably connected to the rear face of saidcentral crossbar, said base including four detachable legs, each leghaving a button clip and configured to releasably connect into arespective leg receiver affixed to said base; and wherein the sportingchair is transformable between a first, working position and a second,transport position.
 2. The sporting chair system of claim 1, furthercomprising: said removable bracket configured to be mounted against atree, such that said angled mounting ribs face said tree; and a mountingstrap configured to wrap about said tree and to confine said removablebracket to said tree.
 3. The sporting chair system of claim 1, furthercomprising: an accessory mounting tree releasably connected to saidmounting stem of said removable bracket, said mounting tree comprising aprimary trunk, a plurality of flanges for mounting equipment affixed tosaid primary trunk, and at least one branch connector for connectingwith accessories or accessory mounts.
 4. The sporting chair system ofclaim 3, further comprising: a pivotable connector releasably connectedto said at least one branch connector of said accessory mounting tree; aholder releasably clipped to said pivotable connector; said holdercomprising a holder base plate and three holder pins bolted to saidholder base plate; and said holder configured to hold sportingequipment.
 5. The sporting chair system of claim 3, further comprising:a camera mounting accessory releasably connected to said at least onebranch connector of said accessory mounting tree.
 6. The sporting chairsystem of claim 4, further comprising: said camera mounting accessorycomprising a primary arm configured to be hydraulically raised orlowered by a hydraulic piston and cylinder; a positional arm connectedto said primary arm such that said arm is configured to pivot about saidprimary arm; and a camera mounting platform affixed to said positionalarm, said camera mounting platform configured to receive a digitalcamera.
 7. A sporting chair system comprising: a sporting chairincluding a frame, said frame comprising a central crossbar, twoseat-back arms, a first seat arm and a second seat arm, and a mountingchannel; said central crossbar including a front face, a rear face, atop face, and a bottom face; each of said two seat-back arms having abutton clip, and each configured to releasably connect into tworespective seat-back arm receivers affixed to the top face of saidcentral crossbar; said first seat arm having a single button clip andbeing configured to releasably connect into one of two seat armreceivers affixed to the front face of said central crossbar, saidsecond seat arm having a proximal end including the single button clipand a distal end including a double button clip, and wherein said secondseat arm proximal end being configured to releasably connect into one ofsaid seat arm receivers; a removable bracket configured for temporarystorage within said central crossbar, said removable bracket comprisinga primary branch and a mounting stem stemming off of said primarybranch, said mounting stem configured to receive and mount accessories;a first angled mounting rib affixed in proximity to said mounting stem,and a second angled mounting rib configured to slide freely along saidprimary branch; said mounting channel releasably connected to the rearface of said central crossbar, said mounting channel including two sideplates affixed perpendicular to a rectangular back plate; wherein thesporting chair is transformable between a first, working position and asecond, transport position; wherein said first, working positioncomprises: said mounting channel including a pair of channel pin holescorresponding with a pair of gusset pin holes located on a gusset bracewelded to said central crossbar; a mounting pin threaded through thepair of channel pin holes and the pair of gusset pin holes; a cotter pinsecuring said pin; a seat-back placed over said seat-back arms; and aseat placed over said seat arms.
 8. The system of claim 7, furthercomprising: a pair of ratchet straps wrapping around a tree trunk, eachsaid ratchet strap including a pair of hooks; said hooks configured tobe hooked to the side plates of said mounting channel; and said ratchetstraps configured to be tightened, thereby securing said sporting chairto said tree trunk.
 9. The sporting chair system of claim 8, furthercomprising: said removable bracket configured to be mounted against atree, such that said angled mounting ribs face said tree; and a mountingstrap configured to wrap about said tree and to confine said removablebracket to said tree.
 10. The sporting chair system of claim 9, furthercomprising: an accessory mounting tree releasably connected to saidmounting stem of said removable bracket, said mounting tree comprising aprimary trunk, a plurality of flanges for mounting equipment affixed tosaid primary trunk, and at least one branch connector for connectingwith accessories or accessory mounts.
 11. The sporting chair system ofclaim 9, further comprising: a pivotable connector releasably connectedto said at least one branch connector of said accessory mounting tree; aholder releasably clipped to said pivotable connector; said holdercomprising a holder base plate and three holder pins bolted to saidholder base plate; and said holder configured to hold sportingequipment.
 12. The sporting chair system of claim 9, further comprising:a camera mounting accessory releasably connected to said at least onebranch connector of said accessory mounting tree.
 13. The sporting chairsystem of claim 12, further comprising: said camera mounting accessorycomprising a primary arm configured to be hydraulically raised orlowered by a hydraulic piston and cylinder; a positional arm connectedto said primary arm such that said arm is configured to pivot about saidprimary arm; and a camera mounting platform affixed to said positionalarm, said camera mounting platform configured to receive a digitalcamera.